Vitiligo is a skin condition manifested by white patches on the face and body because of loss of pigment cells. It is an autoimmune condition which allows the body to “reject” pigment cells. There is no known cause although autoimmune diseases can be genetic. Often when one family member has vitiligo, there may be other family members with another autoimmune condition like thyroiditis, for example.
Vitiligo is more noticeable on darker skin because of the sharp contrast between light and dark. Individuals with vitiligo are entirely healthy otherwise and the condition is not painful, itchy, or contagious.
Several treatments are available but there is no 100% perfect treatment, nor a known preventive treatment.
Before & After
